County Arms contributes to chowder cook-off success

Barry Loughnane of the County Arms Hotel in Birr took part in a novel competition last Sunday - a national chowder cook off! Chefs, fishermen and commercial chowder producers all served up pots of chowder at the event in Acton's Hotel in Kinsale that attracted a crowd of just under 800 people. Barry was unlucky on the day however, losing out to newly crowned chowder king The West Bar in Westport, Co Mayo. The competition was judged last weekend by none other than the people who attended the event. On entry each attendee was given a voting card that allowed them to sample all chowders and cast their vote to crown this year's chowder champion. Winner The West Bar was joined on the winners' podium by The White Lady in Kinsale and Mourne Seafood Bar from Belfast. The event was also honoured with appearances from celebrity chef Martin "Fishy Fishy" Shanahan of RTE's "Martin's Mad About Fish" fame and Egon Ronay and Georgina Campbell winner Paul Flynn of The Tannery restaurant in Waterford. Anyone thinking of entering their chowder in next year's cook off will find more details on www.kinsale.ie.